The second court of Additional Sessions Judge Rezaul Islam fixed the date yesterday after argument by the state and defense lawyers.

"JMB militants came into being, flourished and continued criminal activities unabated with finance and assistance from Barrister Aminul, Shish Muhammad and other ruling party men", said public prosecutor Ekramul Haque during argument.

He told the court argued that at least three eye witnesses among a total of 15 prosecution witnesses (PWs) and many other evidences proved the allegations beyond doubt.

"Aminul was a minister and he was responsible for the district and its law and order. He had learnt about the rise and criminal activities of JMB through various newspapers and media reports. Despite that, he did not take any action to control the criminals", Ekramul pleaded.

"Aminul's silence (about militants' activities) corroborated the depositions of witnesses and it is proved that he (Aminul) was one of the abettors and conspirators", he said.

"Aminul and some other politicians directly and indirectly financed and patronised JMB and they instigated the militants to collect toll for their smooth operation", said the PP.

Additional PP Nurul Islam pleaded that four PWs testified that they saw militants talking with Barrister Aminul over mobile phone and the militants boasted of having link with the minister and his men.

Lawyers Hamidul Haque, Mansur Rahman, Ankur Sen, Abul Kalam moved in defense.

They said, the case was false and filed with an ulterior motive to harass personal and political rivals, taking advantage of a changed political situation.

They said, the prosecution side did not come up with many essential witnesses and evidences. Moreover, they could not show any material evidences against the accused.

The judge said, "The witnesses and evidences and argument will be thoroughly examined to uphold law".

JMB torture victim Fazlur Rahman lodged the case on March 30 with Bagmara police station. Rahman, a farmer of Hasanpur village in Bagmara, was abducted, tortured and forced to pay ransom for release by militants in April 2004.

Sub-inspector Mukhtar Hossain submitted charge sheet of the case on April 23.

Ten of the accused were at the court dock during argument. Aminul, Shish are among 17 absconding accused.

Other accused include Union Parishad chairmen Besaratullah and Rafikul Islam, JMB leaders Mostafizur Rahman Mostak, Prof Lutfar Rahman, Abdus Sattar BSc, Siddik, Korban Ali, Akram, Amjad, Monayem, Abul Member and Montu.